Yushin Okami, known as “Thunder” in the mixed martial arts world, is a Japanese fighter who has made a significant impact in the sport.
In this article, you will learn about Yushin Okami’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Yushin Okami’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yushin Okami |
| Nickname | “Thunder” |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Fighting Style | Mixed Martial Arts |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Net Worth | $14 million |
Early Career
Yushin Okami’s journey in martial arts began with judo, a traditional Japanese sport. As a young athlete, he dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal in judo.
However, his path took an unexpected turn when he discovered mixed martial arts. At the age of 19, Okami participated in a mixed martial arts tournament.
He decided to dedicate himself fully to becoming a professional mixed martial artist, setting aside his initial Olympic aspirations.
Professional Career
Yushin Okami made his professional MMA debut in 2002, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
He quickly made a name for himself in the Japanese MMA scene, competing in organizations like Pancrase and DEEP.
Okami faced some of the best middleweights in the world, including Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin, and Chael Sonnen.
Yushin Okami’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Yushin Okami’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million.
Contract
In 2006, Okami signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s leading MMA organization.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Pay | Win Bonus | Performance Bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 134 | Anderson Silva | Loss | $55,000 | – | – | $55,000 |
| UFC 144 | Tim Boetsch | Loss | $45,000 | – | – | $45,000 |
| UFC on FUEL TV 8 | Hector Lombard | Win | $50,000 | $50,000 | – | $100,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 28 | Ronaldo Souza | Loss | $35,000 | – | – | $35,000 |
| UFC 150 | Buddy Roberts | Win | $45,000 | $45,000 | – | $90,000 |
| UFC 122 | Nate Marquardt | Win | $40,000 | $40,000 | – | $80,000 |
| UFC 104 | Chael Sonnen | Loss | $30,000 | – | – | $30,000 |
| UFC 92 | Dean Lister | Win | $28,000 | $28,000 | – | $56,000 |
| UFC 69 | Rich Franklin | Loss | $20,000 | – | – | $20,000 |
| UFC 62 | Alan Belcher | Win | $10,000 | $10,000 | – | $20,000 |
Endorsements
- MMA gear and equipment brands
- Nutrition and supplement companies
- Sports apparel manufacturers
- Energy drink brands
- Japanese companies looking for athlete ambassadors
Fight Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Silva | Win (DQ – illegal kick) | Rumble on the Rock 8 | January 20, 2006 |
| Jake Shields | Loss (Decision – majority) | Rumble on the Rock 9 | April 21, 2006 |
| Rich Franklin | Loss (Decision – unanimous) | UFC 72 | June 16, 2007 |
| Mark Muñoz | Win (Decision – split) | UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko | August 1, 2010 |
| Chael Sonnen | Loss (Decision – unanimous) | UFC 104 | October 24, 2009 |
| Ronaldo Souza | Loss (TKO – punches) | UFC Fight Night 28 | September 4, 2013 |
| Tim Boetsch | Loss (TKO – punches) | UFC 144 | February 26, 2012 |
| Nate Marquardt | Win (Decision – unanimous) | UFC 122 | November 13, 2010 |
| Hector Lombard | Win (Decision – split) | UFC on Fuel TV: Silva vs. Stann | March 3, 2013 |
| Evan Tanner | Win (TKO – knee) | UFC 82 | March 1, 2008 |
FAQs
1. When was Yushin Okami born, and what is his background?
Yushin Okami was born on July 21, 1981, in Kanagawa, Japan. He began training in judo during high school and initially aspired to become a professional wrestler. After failing to join New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA), debuting professionally in 2002.
2. Why is Yushin Okami nicknamed “Thunder”?
The nickname “Thunder” was given to Okami during his UFC career, reflecting his powerful fighting style and resilience in the octagon. It became widely recognized as he climbed the ranks in international MMA promotions.
3. What are Yushin Okami’s most notable achievements in the UFC?
Okami holds the record for the most UFC wins by a Japanese fighter (14 victories). He became the first Japanese athlete to challenge for the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2011 against Anderson Silva. He also achieved a four-fight win streak in the UFC, defeating fighters like Alan Belcher and Mike Swick.
4. How did Yushin Okami fare against Anderson Silva?
Okami faced Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 134 in 2011. Silva defeated Okami via TKO in the second round. Notably, Okami had previously defeated Silva via disqualification in 2006 due to an illegal upkick, though he downplayed the victory as inconclusive.
5. Why was Yushin Okami released from the UFC in 2013?
Despite being ranked 6th in the middleweight division, Okami was released by the UFC after a loss to Jacare Souza. UFC President Dana White cited roster overcrowding and Okami’s role as a “gatekeeper” rather than a title contender as reasons for his release.
6. Which organizations has Yushin Okami competed in besides the UFC?
Okami has fought in PRIDE, Pancrase, World Series of Fighting (WSOF), ONE Championship, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He won the WSOF Middleweight Championship and later joined ONE Championship in 2019.
7. What is Yushin Okami’s fighting style?
Okami’s style blends judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling. Known for his grappling and ground control, he holds a black belt in judo and has won submission victories, including an arm-triangle choke against Svetlozar Savov in WSOF.
8. How has Yushin Okami contributed to MMA beyond fighting?
Okami serves as the director of LDH Martial Arts and operates the training gym “EXFIGHT” in Japan. He mentors young fighters, aiming to elevate Japan’s MMA scene and inspire the next generation of athletes.
9. What is Yushin Okami’s professional MMA record?
As of 2025, Okami’s record stands at 37 wins and 14 losses. This includes 12 knockouts, 6 submissions, and 19 decision victories across promotions like UFC, ONE Championship, and PRIDE.
10. Is Yushin Okami still actively fighting?
While Okami has reduced his fight frequency, he remains active in martial arts. After leaving ONE Championship in 2022, he fought in Shooto in 2023 and continues to balance training, coaching, and occasional professional bouts.
